Elements of Magic (The Demon’s Covenant #2)

This is the first book in Lisa’s new Reverse Harem series called “the Demon’s Covenant”. This series is a spin-off of The Four Horsemen. Even though, there is a few references and character overlap its not necessary to have read TFH, in order to read this series.

Syv and her harem of anti-heroes: Cillian, Dex/Spot, Morgan and the Collector are back! But before I start the review, I want to share a little story with you.

For the last half year I’ve ARC read for L.J. Swallow, so I was surprised when the book was released, and I hadn’t heard anything. Lately I’ve been having some issues with Facebook not showing notifications from the author groups I’m part of, and it turns out that’s exactly what happened. Lisa had announced the ARC’s had been sent out, and asked if anyone had missed it. Ironic that I missed that, too! Anyway, Lisa saw my Facebook comment almost instantly, and offered to send the book to me as an ARC copy, even though, it was on the release day.

How sweet and amazing is that? And this is exactly why I love having a relationship with the authors I ARC read for, instead of doing it for strangers.

Back to the review!

This second instalment picks up right where we left Syv – the sassy, red headed half-demon with sticky fingers. She’s now back with deathmark and her men: Cillian, Dex/Spot, Morgan and the Collector – and the story keeps getting more and more intense. The group is still staying at the Collectors place. And this ancient Fae is doing almost everything in his power to help them find the Sunde boxes, that contain Morgans brother.

So far it looks like, the mysterious guy from book #1 was right, that the deathmark was to locate Syv, which is also why she’s still alive where the other girls died. While the main focus is to keep Syv alive and recover the boxes, they also need to keep them out of Verin (the demon prince) hands. It seems that for every answer we receive, new questions and problems arises. Especially when they learn, that Syv is somehow mysteriously connected to the boxes. So much so, that she completely loses it when she holds one. Like that’s not enough, it also turns out that the demons have allied themselves with some powerful Fae, like Bastian, Syv’s douche of an ex.

And here’s the thing I’ve been waiting, for what feels like forever, for: the Collector finally reveals his true name and identity. Since we met him in TFH it’s been clear that he is fighting the good fight, and he has been a really interesting character, and his feelings for Syv has been clear since book #1. But at the same time, his closed persona has made it hard to truly connect with him. So I’m happy to say, that now that he has opened up, I love him. And I can’t wait to see what this leads to later on.

Though, Syv appreciates all the help and support she’s getting, she’s also both confused and scared. But she does recognise there’s a strength that comes from being part of a group, instead of working solo. Elements of Magic is an amazing read and i cannot get enough of Syv. She truly is a force of nature, ready to wreak havoc on any and everyone who threaten her and her harem. But what I loved the most in this book is, when we get more glimpses into her vulnerable side. We see the fears she tries to not show anyone, vulnerability and her fiercely loyalty to her men – which just makes me love her even more.

The group of Dwellers are an unusual group, which I can only classify as anti-heroes. And it’s no secret that Spot is my absolute favourite. His protectiveness of Syv is unparalleled and somehow, Lisa have mastered giving him a personality that reflects his hell hound, without any slopping and disgusting traits. This guy is good, scared and protective through and through. The other two, Morgan and Cillian are more complex in their own ways. Especially Morgan. It seems there’s some self loathing going on there, like he doesn’t think he is good enough for Syv. And I guess in a way I do understand, because he cannot put her first, since he is also looking for his brother.

I just today learned, that this series is meant to be a trilogy. And if I have to be honest with you, that worries me. Why, you ask, well here’s why! I have SO many questions, and I don’t feel like I have an ounce of answers yet. So I’m having a hard time imagining that everything can be wrapped up in a satisfactory way, in just one more book. But then at the same time, I have to remember that TFH was 7 books long, and I still felt the same way before reading the seventh and last book in that series. Despite my worries Lisa managed to nail the ending for that one, so I’m sure she will do the same with Syv’s story.

But as of now, there’s a lot of unanswered questions, suspense, tension and mystery. So I’m already extremely impatient for the next and final book in this trilogy. I hope Syv gets to “connect” with her entire harem, I’d especially like to see some alone time between her and the Collector. And I’m so anxious to see whether or not Morgan gets his brother back. And last, but definitely not least, find out exactly who and what Syv is!

If you want to buy the book, you can use my affiliation link here:

How about you, is this something you would enjoy to read? Have you ever read anything by L.J. Swallow? Comment and let me know.